Karen Keith

Argyll and Bute Rape Crisis, TESSA Youth Project in conjunction with SAMTEQ, has launched an innovative way for young people in Argyll and Bute to access help and support through a new app.

The app for both Apple and Android devices is the first of its kind to provide completely anonymous in-app chat. It also provides information to young people in Argyll and Bute about issues surrounding sexual bullying or harassment and sexual abuse

Alison Black, manager of Argyll and Bute Rape Crisis, said: “In today’s world an online presence is essential to be able to communicate with young people and we are delighted that with help from Samteq, the TESSA Project can now offer support and information around sexual violence via the new TESSA app.

“Due to the rural aspect of Argyll and Bute, young people have concerns over anonymity and confidentiality. This app can provide a way for young people to access support without identifying who they are and a way to provide support anonymously.”

* The TESSA Youth Project is Argyll and Bute Rape Crisis’ Youth Project for young people of secondary school age which aims to raise awareness of issues surrounding sexual bullying or harassment and sexual abuse, internet safety, cyberbullying, sexual abuse, self esteem and body image, internet grooming, consent, commercial sexual exploitation and the normalisation of inappropriate sexualised behaviour and offer free and confidential support to young people (aged 13+) around these issues.